Famous Tea Sets in China

China’s ceramic tea sets have a rich history and are renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship. They are valued both for their artistic beauty and practicality. This guide introduces the most representative tea sets and famous brands from different regions in China.

1. Regional Specialty Ceramic Tea Sets

Chinese tea sets often reflect the regional craftsmanship and materials used in their production. These regional tea sets have unique characteristics and are highly valued by tea enthusiasts.

1.1 Longquan Celadon (浙江龙泉青瓷)

Origin: Longquan, Zhejiang Province
Features: The glaze of Longquan celadon tea sets has a jade-like sheen, which enhances the clarity and color of the tea liquor. The traditional techniques from the Yue Kiln are passed down through generations, making these tea sets perfect for tea tasting ceremonies.
Use: Ideal for green tea and light oolong tea, as the delicate glaze complements the clear tea color.

1.2 Jianshui Purple Pottery (云南建水紫陶)

Origin: Jianshui, Yunnan Province
Features: Jianshui purple pottery is known for its unglazed, polished surface and hard texture. These tea sets are sturdy and absorb the aroma of tea over time, enhancing the tea experience.
Use: Primarily used for brewing pu-erh tea due to its ability to retain and enhance the flavor of aged teas.

1.3 Jian Zhan Black Porcelain (福建建盏黑瓷)

Origin: Jian, Fujian Province
Features: Jian Zhan tea sets are famous for their dark, almost black glaze, which changes in color and texture during brewing. These sets were historically used in tea competitions during the Song Dynasty, and their changing glaze enhances the appearance of tea foam.
Use: Best suited for brewing dark teas such as black tea or aged pu-erh tea.

1.4 Yixing Purple Clay (江苏宜兴紫砂)

Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu Province
Features: Yixing teapots are highly prized for their unique porous purple clay, which is known for its breathability. The clay absorbs the tea’s aroma and improves the taste over time, making these teapots ideal for seasoned tea drinkers.
Use: Preferred for oolong tea, black tea, and pu-erh tea. The porous nature of the clay enhances the tea’s flavor and aroma, making it the top choice for connoisseurs.

1.5 Ru Kiln (河南汝窑)

Origin: Ru, Henan Province
Features: Ru Kiln tea sets are celebrated for their elegant sky-blue glaze, which creates a soft, jade-like appearance. The glaze has a smooth texture, and the tea sets often feature unique crack patterns, known as “crackle glaze.”
Use: These sets are perfect for light teas, especially white tea or green tea, as their delicate glaze complements the subtlety of these teas.

2. Modern Famous Tea Set Brands

In addition to traditional regional tea sets, there are several well-known modern tea set brands that blend artistry with functionality, making tea brewing an enjoyable and refined experience.

2.1 Dongdao (东道)

Features: Dongdao’s tea sets are inspired by Ru Kiln craftsmanship and are famous for their elegant and simple design. The glaze is clear and delicate, giving the teapots a refined appearance. Dongdao tea sets combine art and practicality, making them suitable for both collectors and everyday tea drinkers.
Specialty: Ru Kiln tea sets with an elegant glaze, perfect for tea ceremonies or casual tea brewing.

2.2 Wanqiantang (万仟堂)

Features: Wanqiantang combines the cultural heritage of tea and incense, producing tea sets that are rich in traditional significance. Their designs incorporate traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern functionality.
Specialty: Tea sets that merge tea culture with incense culture, ideal for those interested in a full sensory tea experience.

2.3 Jinzao (金灶)

Features: Jinzao is a leader in the development of smart tea sets. Their innovative electric teapots are equipped with advanced technology and are popular worldwide for their functionality and ease of use. Jinzao’s products make brewing tea more efficient while retaining the traditional tea flavor.
Specialty: Smart tea sets, including electric kettles and automatic tea brewing systems, perfect for modern tea drinkers.

2.4 Rongshantang (容山堂)

Features: Rongshantang specializes in creating tea sets that represent a new Chinese-style aesthetic, blending traditional and modern designs. Their tea sets are well-suited for those who appreciate the fusion of classic tea culture with contemporary design.
Specialty: New Chinese-style tea sets that combine tradition and modernity, ideal for creating a stylish and functional tea space.

3. Classic Tea Set Combinations

In addition to individual tea sets, there are several essential accessories and combinations that enhance the tea brewing experience. These classic combinations are widely used in traditional tea ceremonies and are essential for the complete tea-drinking ritual.

3.1 The Six Gentlemen of the Tea Ceremony (茶道六君子)

Description: The “Six Gentlemen” set includes essential tea tools made from bamboo or wood. These tools are used to assist with the tea ceremony process, making it easier to handle tea leaves and perform the ritual. The set typically includes a tea canister, tea spoon, tea sieve, tea towel, tea whisk, and tea waste container.
Use: These tools help with the proper preparation and serving of tea, especially during formal tea ceremonies.

3.2 Purple Clay Teapot (紫砂壶)

Description: The Yixing purple clay teapot is famous for its excellent breathability and its ability to enhance the flavor of tea over time. This teapot is a favorite among tea connoisseurs and is perfect for brewing aged pu-erh tea or oolong tea.
Tip: For raw pu-erh tea (sheng), an Yixing teapot is recommended, while for ripe pu-erh tea (shu), the Jianshui purple pottery is a better choice.

3.3 Ru Kiln Tea Set (汝窑茶具)

Description: Ru Kiln tea sets are renowned for their delicate glaze, which changes with use, making them highly collectible. The soft, jade-like glaze of Ru Kiln tea sets adds a sense of tranquility and elegance to the tea-drinking experience.
Specialty: Ru Kiln tea sets are prized for their collectible value due to the way the glaze changes over time, enhancing their beauty and uniqueness.

These famous Chinese tea sets are a blend of history, culture, and artistry. Whether you are a tea enthusiast, a collector, or someone looking to appreciate Chinese tea culture, these tea sets offer a gateway to an enriched tea-drinking experience.